On the Ground: I was eager to experience Alitalia’s Magnifica Class. At New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport I found the Alitalia business check-in counter in Terminal 1 without difficulty. There was no line, the staff were friendly, and my bag was priority-tagged quickly. I was guided to security and cleared in about 15 minutes, which set a relaxed tone for the trip.
Pre-Flight: I visited the Alitalia Michelangelo Lounge near Gate 3. The lounge is bright and airy, with a self-service bar, comfortable armchairs, several TV areas, a business corner with computers and a printer, and two meeting rooms. The lounge offers a full bar as well as a selection of snacks and cold plates including pasta, wraps and salads. I found a quiet spot to work, connected to the complimentary Wi-Fi and sampled some Italian snacks. As departure time approached for the 5:25 p.m. flight, a crowd gathered around the business-class boarding lane. The staff ran boarding in an organized way; I waited about 20 minutes in line before taking my seat.
In-Flight: On board the Boeing 777 I was greeted warmly by the flight attendants. The cabin layout is 1-2-1 and I was impressed by Alitalia’s refreshed Magnifica Class seating. The leather seat converts to a fully flat bed and includes a massage function for added comfort. The 15.4-inch personal TV features an individual privacy filter and the entertainment system provides multiple language options: more than 40 films and 12 audio channels, plus the option to use a USB device to download multimedia. The noise-reduction headset enhanced the experience.
The Bvlgari amenity kit was a highlight: a stylish case containing standard essentials—eyeshades, earplugs, toothbrush and socks—along with a shaving kit and a selection of perfume, lotion and skincare items that I found pleasant to use. The presentation felt upscale and thoughtfully put together.
Shortly after takeoff the cabin filled with the aroma of Italian cuisine, and the meal service lived up to expectations. The menu, presented in English and Italian, drew on flavors from the Campania and Emilia-Romagna regions and was complemented by a well-curated wine list. I particularly enjoyed the focaccia, the pasta course, the cheese selection and the fruit plate. The new seat, combined with a soft duvet and a Frette pillow, made it easy to get comfortable. I chose a movie on the touch-screen and later slept well. Before landing in Rome the crew served breakfast; the fresh fruit and coffee were a refreshing way to finish the flight. We experienced a smooth landing, received friendly farewells, and disembarked promptly.
The Experience: Overall, the New York–Rome flight exceeded my expectations. We landed on time and the journey was free of problems. The standout elements were the onboard dining and the amenity kit. The cabin crew was attentive and courteous throughout, and the flight was comfortable enough that I hope to fly Magnifica Class again.
GT Checklist
- Less than 10 minutes for check-in
- Friendly and helpful agents
- Priority tagged bags
- Airport lounge
- Complimentary in-lounge food
- Priority boarding
- Helpful and courteous flight attendants
- Pre-flight beverage service
- Pre-flight newspapers and magazines
- Extensive video on-demand menu
- Self-serve in-flight pantry
- Amenity kits
- Slippers
- Lie-flat seat/bed
- Mattress and comforter
- In-flight menu with three entrée choices
- Top-shelf wines and liquors